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In the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, there exists a dining table of singular historical significance. Nearly 25 feet in length, with wood trestle legs half obscured by a crisp white tablecloth, its utilitarian design would not look out of place in a family-style Italian restaurant. However, due largely to the fact that the table’s occupants happen to be Jesus and 12 highly animated disciples, its finer points are easily overlooked.
In Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, the expansive table is intended as a framing device for the drama being acted out around it. Yet, more than 500 years after Leonardo tagged that somber dining-hall wall with his masterpiece, its 15th-century furnishings remain familiar: Most of us can recall meals shared around a similar table, in a staid room reserved solely for important repasts and repartee.
But, much like the coffee table before it, the dining table appellation is sounding increasingly dated. Open-plan live/work spaces, on-the-go lifestyles, and even the re-emergence of poker night from its banishment to the basement have altered this formerly formal piece of furniture’s use. With this in mind, we asked multidisciplin- ary designer Rich Hansen to dish on which of these five tables he deems suitable for more than just supper.
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Xpand Table
Expert Opinion: I really like the simple form of this table—–it would go well with almost any interior approach. What’s fantastic is that you have this thing that’s a perfect little size for a desk area or something, and then you can go, “Honey, let’s invite some people over,” and it easily expands to seat ten. Huge improvement over “Get the 14 leaves out—–we have three more people coming!” The way it expands is really well done, but the grate-like openings mean that you’ll have to be pretty diligent about cleaning it. Messier kids are gonna need to sit at the ends, no question.
What We Think: The accordion-like conceit of this table is more than just structurally inventive, it’s engaging on a tactile level as well. The straightforward lines and wide range of natural material options make Xpand a versatile choice, both functionally and aesthetically.
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Bigwire Table
Expert Opinion: This one hits a bunch of retro design buttons, and creates a very specific look that’s quite contemporary and versatile. It references [Warren] Platner—–who I actually think made a more elegant table—–and the internal shape of the base suggests [Eero] Saarinen’s Tulip table. But it doesn’t look like the smaller size would have much legroom. For me, tables need to have a lot of space to stretch out—–I’m likely to kick it every time I sit down.
What We Think: If you’re looking for a mid-century-friendly table with a fresh yet familiar personality, this would be a good fit. Bigwire’s eggbeater-like base might be better suited for the dinette than the dining room, and we agree that post-omelet slouching could be somewhat problematic for longer-limbed sitters.
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Strut Table
Expert Opinion: The graphic designer in me really likes the logic of its clean lines and proportions. But that cross piece and base...I understand why they needed to do it that way—–for stability—–but I’m not sure how you can avoid hitting your shin or scuffing the paint, especially on the ends. I don’t want to be reminded of the design once I’ve sat down—–I want to engage with my work or the other people at the table, and not continually worry about where I put my arms and legs. It’s like the uneasy feeling I get when sitting with my back to the door.
What We Think: The strict geometry of this table favorably evokes both farm tables and scaffolding, but may not be the most functional choice for those who enjoy hosting large dinner parties. If used primarily as a work-table, however, its admittedly restrictive base could provide a welcome sense of order.
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Hollow Dining Table
Expert Opinion: I like this table’s general shape, especially the side view. I also like the functionality of the hollow construction, though it would be interesting to see that opening carried all the way around. I don’t find the aesthetic created by the mixing of bamboo colors as appealing as the use of bamboo itself, which is something of a problem. For many people, unfortunately, style and design will trump sustainability every time.
What We Think: Why do so few furniture designers seem to understand that style and sustainability needn’t be mutually exclusive? We only found a handful of appealing sustainably made tables, and the Hollow was one of the best. To us, the open ends appear custom made for clutter cleanup—–napkins, placemats, mail, books, laptops—–which makes it a great choice for storage-strapped residents of small spaces.
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Take a Table
Expert Opinion: I think it’s really interesting, though in the end, I’m just not sold. The top is truly beautiful: Its classic diamond shape facilitates conversation, and the tapered edge is a nice touch. But I have issues with the base. The tubular metal legs and rubber footpads initially reminded me of some mid-century designs. Ultimately, though, they seem to have more of a highway-rest-stop, National Park Service kind of aesthetic—–and not in a good way. I wish it was resolved a little more elegantly in relation to the top, and didn’t look like such a shin-banger.
What We Think: The edgy attitude exhibited by the angular top is refreshing in a field dominated by circles and rectangles. We like the resolutely retro quality of the base, though it could hinder seating-arrangement flexibility. It would likely integrate well with a mid-century-modern aesthetic, especially if tasked with live/work double duty.
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Comments
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In the blurb in Dwell for this slideshow (April issue, p. 24) there is a small wooden table with a three-legged base and a handle on top - anyone know the designer/maker?
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